ByREUTERS

JULY 7, 2026 07:33

Updated: JULY 7, 2026 07:34

Democratic leaders on Monday urged Graham Platner to step aside as the nominee challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine following reports that a woman accused him of forcing sex on her nearly five years earlier.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who leads the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, stated that the DSCC would withhold funding from the Maine contest should Platner stay on the ballot.

Platner rejected the claims and noted in a statement that his team was reflecting on the best course ahead. He gave no sign about whether he might pause or end his run.

Collins seat ranks among the prime opportunities for Democrats seeking Senate majority in the November 3 midterms. Republicans hold 53 seats to the Democrats 47, so the minority party needs a net pickup of four to gain control of the chamber.

Politico first detailed the accusation that Platner forced the woman into sex nearly five years ago. CNN added that she charged he entered her home without permission and raped her while intoxicated.

Hours after the stories appeared, Maine Democratic officials pressed Platner to exit and several members of Congress pulled their endorsements.

Platner allies withdraw support

Maine Democratic Party leadership called on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for US Senate, according to state party Chair Charlie Dingman, Vice Chair Imke Schessler and Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson in a statement posted on X.

They pointed to multiple women who had leveled serious and credible allegations against Platner. The officials added that the latest statements intensified those claims.

State law allows the Democratic Party to replace Platner on the November ballot if he exits before July 13. The party then has until July 27 to name a substitute nominee.

Politico reported that the woman described the incident in three interviews and that the outlet reviewed supporting documents including emails with her therapist.

It remained unclear whether Maine Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her own Senate campaign earlier this year after Platner gained ground in fundraising and polls, would return should he depart.

Mills office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

After the reports surfaced, several prominent Democrats withdrew their support for Platner Senate bid.

US Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, posted on X that he had long viewed sexual assault or violence against women as a red line.

Serious and credible allegations prompt Senate withdrawals

Khanna called the allegations very serious and credible, urged Platner to drop out, and withdrew his endorsement. The California congressman is a leading progressive voice in the House.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, also a Democrat, likewise withdrew his backing.

Collins, the veteran senator and Appropriations Committee chair, described the allegations as appalling yet noted that choosing the Democratic nominee was not her role.

Platner has previously denied other misconduct claims involving women. He has also stated that he covered a tattoo linked to Nazi imagery after learning its meaning.

Politico identified the accuser as Jenny Racicot, who had an on-and-off relationship with Platner. Reuters could not immediately reach her for comment.

She told the outlet that she delayed coming forward because of the moral conflict between supporting his politics and opposing him personally, adding that she simply wanted the full picture of who he is as a person made public.

Should Platner exit, Democrats could consider several alternatives besides Mills.

Other Democrats who competed in last month Maine primary for statewide office include Nirav Shah, a former state health director, Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, and Shenna Bellows, the current secretary of state.